The Lyric Hammersmith is getting into the festive spirit announcing full details of its previously announced Christmas programming which includes Aladdin for over six year olds and Holly And Ivan’s Christmas Adventure for younger theatregoers.
East meets West (London) in the Lyric Hammersmith’s annual pantomime when Aladdin starts previews on 19 November.
Set in the magical empire of Ha-Ma-Smit, the show follows Aladdin and his brother Wishy Washy as they befriend the Genie and try to stop the evil Abanazer as he attempts to take control of the empire. With a flying carpet, a magic lamp, a monkey and, of course, Widow Twankey, the pantomime will be a festive experience for the whole family.
Aladdin sees the return of the Lyric Hammersmith’s Christmassy creative trio, with writers Joel Horwood (I Caught Crabs In Walberswick) and Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Belongings), and Soho theatre’s Artistic Director Steve Marmion back for their third year running at the venue, creating another festively silly adventure.
Talking about the team’s reunion, director Marmion said: “It’s great to be back at the Lyric; we are aiming for bigger dance routines, more outrageous costumes, mountains more glitter and even older jokes! Christmas starts now!”
The cast for Aladdin includes Shaun Prendergast, who revives his role as the panto dame, this year playing Widow Twanky, Betwitxt! star Steven Webb as Wishy Washy, Simon Kunz as the evil Abanazer, Hammed Animashaun (Mogadishu) as Aladdin and Sophia Nomvete (England People Very Nice) as the Spirit of the Ring.
For younger children, Lyric Hammersmith’s previously announced co-production with Pins and Needles Theatre, Holly And Ivan’s Christmas Adventure, plays from 1 December in the Lyric Hammersmith Studio.
Aladdin and Holly And Ivan’s Christmas Adventure both run at the West London venue until 31 December.
CM